From the Desk of the GM - November 5, 2009

"Start spreadin' the news..."

Well, the 2009 World Series is in the books and the Yankees beat the Phillies in six games to claim their 27th title. It was a great series, one that will remembered for many reasons. A-Rod finally produced in the post-season, Andy Pettitte showed that he’s still got it, all the money the Yankees shelled out to get Teixeira, Sabathia, Burnett and Swisher paid huge dividends and Chase Utley was outstanding, tying Reggie Jackson’s 1977 record for home runs in a world series with five.

Game six saw Hideki Matsui blast a two-run shot in the second, a two-run single in the third, a two-run double in the fifth and that was all the Yankees needed behind the impressive pitching of Pettitte. Matsui hit .615 in the series, was named MVP and his six RBI in game six tied a world series record. Pettitte, the winningest pitcher in post-season history (18) left the game in the top of the sixth with a 7-3 lead. The Yankees bullpen locked things down from there with Mariano Rivera, the all-time saves leader in world series history, doing what he does best by recording the final five outs.

History was repeated in some ways in 2009. In 1923, the Yankees opened the original Yankee Stadium and went on to win that year’s world series in six games over the New York Giants. In 2009, the Yankees opened the new $1.5 billion Yankee Stadium and won the world series in six. Check out USA Today’s Mel Antonen’s article here - for more on the similarities between 1923 and 2009.

So now we wait. We wait through the cold winter until the boys of summer head back to Florida or Arizona to begin another spring training. Shortly after the big leagues get underway our thoughts will turn to another Northern League season and look forward to what is sure to be a great 2010. Everyone around the Goldeyes office is very excited about the upcoming year with the two new teams in Rockford and Lake County joining the league. Judging by the comments I’ve heard from season ticket and mini pack holders, and even some casual observers of the Goldeyes and the league, I think the office’s excitement is shared by others as well.

If you are a current Goldeyes mini pack or season ticket holder, thank you for your continued support and we look forward to seeing you in the spring. If you are a former ticket holder who was waiting for the league to expand, or if you have thought about picking up a package, now’s the perfect time to do it. There are great seats and great packages available. We’ve got many exciting events planned for the 2010 season including more fireworks nights. Check out the ticket page at goldeyes.com by clicking here. If you see a package you like, and would like to find out what seats are available, give Blake (blake@goldeyes.com) or Dennis (dennis@goldeyes.com) a call in the box office at 982-2273 and they would be happy to pick some out for you.

In the meantime, for all my fellow Yankee fans out there, here's Frank singing New York New York.

Opening day is only a little over six months away, May 20 vs. the Lake County Fielders!

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Until next time…